You are not the Only Freak in Town

5 minutes, 20 slides, a big room full of strangers and video cameras. I was shaking in my pants and had a quiver in my voice while I spoke about my quest to remove shame and guilt from the mothering experience. The crowd at Ignite Ithaca 2* was really supportive, I got hugs and encouragement galore while limping around with one leg in a normal shoe, the other in my husband’s black crock and an air-cast (just a sprain, still a pain). I don’t like public speaking, but I better get used to this. You can’t change the cultural conversation about anything, let alone postpartum depression, without speaking up in front of a crowd. So once again, I am practicing stepping out of my comfort zone, trying to give my fear its due-respect and do the scary anyway.

I got handsomely rewarded that night: hugs from strangers can be disconcerting, but the ones I got there were nothing but sweet. Postpartum depression touches so many and is spoken of by so few,  that it is no wonder  people are actually relieved when I bring it up.

So I’d really love to know what you think about this short talk.

Would you please comment below and tell me if I managed to ring a bell?
How was watching this helpful?

And as always, when you like  on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/ppdtojoy) or follow me on twitter (I’m @yaelsaar), you are helping me spread the word and normalize postpartum depression and anxiety. Thank you.